Senior UX Designer - 3-Month Contract - Octopus by RTG

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer - 3-Month Contract

Company: Octopus by RTG (part of Robusta Technology Group)

Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Contract

Category: User Experience (UX) Design, Product Design

Date Posted: March 02, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a critical 3-month onsite contract role focused on leading end-to-end user experience design for digital products.

• The position demands a strategic thinker capable of translating complex business requirements into intuitive, user-centered digital solutions.

• The Senior UX Designer will be instrumental in conducting user research, developing prototypes, and building scalable design systems.

• A key aspect of this role involves close, onsite collaboration with Product Managers, Developers, and other stakeholders within an agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is presented as a contract position, emphasizing the need for a candidate who can quickly integrate, deliver impactful design solutions within a defined timeframe, and work effectively in a hands-on, onsite capacity in Abu Dhabi. The focus on "Octopus by RTG" as a tech hiring and outsourcing arm suggests that the company is looking for a designer who understands the dynamics of client-facing projects or internal tech development within a growth-oriented environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire UX design lifecycle, from initial discovery and user research through to the final delivery of digital products.

• Execute comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather actionable insights.

• Translate business requirements and user needs into detailed user journeys, information architecture, user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity interactive prototypes.

• Design, develop, and maintain scalable and consistent design systems to ensure brand coherence and efficient design iteration.

• Collaborate intensively with Product Managers, Developers, QA engineers, and other cross-functional stakeholders onsite to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation.

• Facilitate and lead design thinking workshops, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative problem-solving activities with internal teams and potentially clients.

• Act as a strong advocate for user-centered design principles, educating and influencing teams and stakeholders to prioritize user needs.

• Iterate on designs based on user feedback, A/B testing results, analytics data, and evolving business objectives.

• Ensure all digital platforms adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and best practices for usability and consistency.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership ("Lead the UX process") and hands-on execution ("Translate business requirements into user journeys, flows, wireframes"). The emphasis on onsite collaboration and facilitation of workshops points to a need for strong interpersonal and communication skills, typical for senior roles tasked with cross-functional alignment and driving consensus.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for senior UX roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex digital products (web and/or mobile applications).

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in leading the full UX design process, from research and concepting to prototyping and final handoff.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct various forms of user research (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) and synthesize findings into design decisions.

• Proficiency in creating detailed user journeys, user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Proven experience in developing and managing design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Advanced proficiency with industry-standard UX/UI design tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, usability heuristics, and accessibility best practices (e.g., WCAG compliance).

• Experience working within Agile development methodologies and collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and present to diverse audiences.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, capable of building consensus and driving design vision.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the tech hiring, outsourcing, or recruitment technology sector.

• Familiarity with product management principles and working closely with Product Managers.

• Experience facilitating design thinking workshops and other collaborative design sessions.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design decisions.

• Experience with user analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) to inform design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills, research capabilities, and strong interpersonal/collaboration abilities, crucial for a senior role that interfaces with multiple departments and potentially clients. The "5+ years" suggests a need for candidates who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and strategic foresight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 complex digital product design projects (web and/or mobile) is mandatory.

• Each project within the portfolio should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process undertaken (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), and the final solution.

• Demonstrate a strong emphasis on user research methodologies and how findings directly influenced design decisions.

• Include examples of user journeys, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Showcase experience in developing or contributing to design systems, illustrating their structure and application.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process in detail, highlighting your approach to problem-solving, user research, ideation, and iteration.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to document design decisions, user flows, and system components for handoff to development teams.

• Showcase your ability to adapt your design process to different project requirements and team dynamics, especially within an Agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer role, especially a contract position, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of the candidate's capabilities, problem-solving approach, and ability to deliver tangible results. The expectation is for a detailed, process-oriented presentation of work, not just polished final screens.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Designer on a 3-month contract in Abu Dhabi, with 5-10 years of experience and requiring onsite presence, a competitive rate would typically range from AED 25,000 to AED 40,000 per month, depending on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

As this is a 3-month contract role, benefits are typically limited and dependent on the specific agreement with Octopus by RTG. Standard contract benefits may include:

• Competitive contract rate.

• Potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.

• Opportunity to work on impactful digital projects for a growing tech group.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours for this onsite contract are expected to be 40 hours per week, aligning with typical business operations in Abu Dhabi. Flexibility may be required based on project deadlines and stakeholder availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on market research for contract UX Design roles in Abu Dhabi, considering the experience level and the specialized nature of the role. Benefits for contract positions are generally less comprehensive than for full-time employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), Tech Staffing Solutions. Octopus by RTG operates within the dynamic tech talent acquisition and outsourcing sector, serving clients across MENA, GCC, Europe, the US, and Canada. This implies a fast-paced, client-focused environment driven by innovation and efficiency in connecting talent with opportunities.

Company Size: Robusta Technology Group is a growing organization. Octopus by RTG, as its tech hiring arm, likely operates with a lean, agile structure, focused on rapid deployment of talent and project execution. This means individuals often wear multiple hats and need to be adaptable.

Founded: Robusta Technology Group was founded with a vision to build strong, long-term partnerships. While the specific founding date for Octopus by RTG isn't provided, its establishment as a dedicated tech hiring arm suggests a strategic expansion to meet the increasing demand for specialized tech professionals.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a project-specific team, working closely with Product Managers and Developers.

• Reporting lines may be to a Head of Product, a Project Lead, or a Design Lead, depending on the project’s organizational structure.

Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on Agile methodologies for project management and product development.

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging user feedback, analytics, and performance metrics to inform design and strategy.

• Focus on iterative design and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality, user-centric digital solutions.

• Collaborative problem-solving approach to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation.

Company Website: https://robustagroup.com/ (Octopus by RTG is the tech hiring arm of Robusta Technology Group)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context suggests a dynamic, client-service-oriented environment. The "tech hiring and outsourcing arm" aspect implies a focus on efficiency, speed, and delivering value to clients, which should be reflected in the designer's approach to problem-solving and project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer on a contract basis. It requires a high level of autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to lead design initiatives independently. While it's a contract, the "Senior" title indicates expectations of leadership, mentorship (even if informal), and significant contribution to project success.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report to a project lead or product manager. They will work closely with development teams and potentially interact with senior stakeholders or clients' representatives.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's primary impact will be on the usability, user satisfaction, and effectiveness of digital products. Successful UX design directly influences user adoption, engagement, conversion rates, and ultimately, the success of the digital solutions being developed, contributing to both client satisfaction and the company's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific UX areas like user research, interaction design, or design systems.

• Project Leadership: Gain experience leading design for complex, end-to-end digital product development cycles.

• Industry Exposure: Work with diverse clients and projects within the tech hiring and outsourcing sector, broadening industry knowledge.

• Potential for Extension/Full-Time: Successful contract performance can sometimes lead to contract extensions or opportunities for full-time roles within Robusta Technology Group or its clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a contract role, the "Senior" designation implies significant responsibility and the potential for impactful work. The growth opportunities are framed around skill development and project experience rather than a traditional long-term career path within this specific contract.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "onsite in Abu Dhabi." This indicates a traditional office-based work environment where in-person collaboration is essential. The office is likely modern and equipped to support creative and technical teams.

Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Specific details about the office building or amenities are not provided, but Abu Dhabi offers a cosmopolitan and professional business environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will facilitate close interaction with Product Managers, Developers, and other team members, fostering a collaborative and iterative design process.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology will be provided to enable effective work.

• Expect a dynamic environment where collaboration, communication, and agile workflows are prioritized.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected. However, flexibility might be needed to accommodate project deadlines, cross-time zone collaborations (if any client interaction is involved), and urgent design needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "onsite" is critical. Candidates must be willing and able to work full-time from the Abu Dhabi office for the entire 3-month duration. This suggests a need for a collaborative culture where team members are physically present to maximize brainstorming and problem-solving efficiency.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session (likely via video call initially, or in-person if feasible) where you will present your portfolio, walk through key projects, and discuss your design process, decision-making, and impact.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a deep dive into specific UX methodologies, tool proficiency, and problem-solving skills.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: Meeting with key team members (e.g., Product Manager, Lead Developer) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate into the existing team.

• Offer: For a contract role, the process might be expedited.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and measurable results relevant to digital product development.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your unique contribution, the design decisions made, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases, showing how you arrived at the final solution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, increased satisfaction scores).

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, and how you leverage them.

• Accessibility & Usability: Ensure your portfolio reflects an understanding of and adherence to accessibility and usability best practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design exercise that might involve problem definition, ideation, or a quick prototype based on a given scenario.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely under pressure.

• Research Octopus by RTG and Robusta Technology Group to understand their mission and the types of clients they serve. This can help tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical stage for UX roles. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a compelling presentation that clearly demonstrates their capabilities and problem-solving approach. Given the contract nature, efficiency and clarity in communication will be highly valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Advanced proficiency required in at least one of the following: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD. Figma is increasingly becoming an industry standard for collaborative design.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Lookback).

• Design System Tools: Familiarity with creating and maintaining design systems, potentially using tools like Zeroheight or internal documentation platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web and mobile analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and inform design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX tools, understanding how user experience impacts CRM usage and customer journeys can be beneficial. Familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce or HubSpot might be a plus for understanding broader business contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is strong proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools. The ability to leverage analytics and understand user behavior data is crucial for demonstrating the impact of UX work and for iterating effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user in all design decisions.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork and cross-functional synergy, valuing input from Product, Engineering, and other stakeholders.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive to deliver high-quality, polished, and effective digital solutions that meet business objectives and user needs.

• Adaptability & Agility: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver results within tight deadlines.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying and solving complex design challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and active listening are key.

• Expect iterative feedback loops and collaborative design reviews.

• The onsite nature of the role promotes spontaneous discussions and immediate problem-solving.

• A culture that values constructive feedback and a shared commitment to project success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture, as implied by its business model, likely emphasizes speed, client focus, and adaptability. The UX designer needs to be a team player who can integrate seamlessly and contribute positively to a collaborative, results-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Environment: Delivering high-quality UX design within a tight 3-month contract timeframe requires exceptional time management and prioritization skills.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring that design vision is understood and adopted by diverse teams (product, engineering) and stakeholders, especially within an onsite setting.

• Translating Complex Requirements: Effectively simplifying and designing for intricate business needs or technical constraints.

• Onsite Integration: Quickly becoming an integral part of an existing team and contributing from day one.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Intensive Project Experience: Gaining hands-on experience with complex digital product development in a specific industry sector.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deepening understanding of product management and software development processes.

• Networking: Building professional connections within Robusta Technology Group and potentially its client network.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Completing a significant project within a defined period, which can be a strong addition to a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary "growth" in this context is through intensive project experience and skill application under pressure. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to demonstrate senior-level capabilities and deliver a tangible, impactful piece of work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for tackling a completely new digital product design challenge from scratch." (Focus on research, ideation, and validation steps).

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints?" (Discuss trade-offs, prioritization, and stakeholder negotiation).

• "Walk me through a time you had to influence a team or stakeholder who disagreed with your design direction." (Highlight communication, persuasion, and data-backed arguments).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about this 3-month contract role with Octopus by RTG?" (Showcase research into the company's mission and your enthusiasm for contract work).

• "How do you adapt to working within an Agile framework and cross-functional teams?" (Emphasize collaboration, flexibility, and iterative processes).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Have a clear agenda for your presentation, guiding the interviewer through your chosen projects.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results and demonstrate how your designs solved problems and delivered value.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, research methodologies, and challenges encountered.

• Showcase Process Artifacts: Highlight wireframes, user flows, personas, and prototypes to illustrate your thought process.

• Conciseness: Given the contract nature, be efficient with your time and focus on the most relevant aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating senior-level problem-solving, clear communication, and a solid understanding of the UX design process, all within a collaborative and results-driven context. Being prepared to present a strong portfolio is non-negotiable.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer contract position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.

• Curate and Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant complex digital product projects, and clearly articulates your process and impact. Have a presentation ready to walk through 2-3 key projects.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your 5+ years of UX design experience, proficiency in key tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), experience with user research, prototyping, and working in Agile/cross-functional teams. Emphasize any experience in tech hiring or outsourcing sectors.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication, concise storytelling, and demonstrating your problem-solving approach and measurable results. Be ready to discuss your design process in detail.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Octopus by RTG and Robusta Technology Group's mission, services, and the types of clients they serve to better align your responses with their context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The contract nature and onsite requirement in Abu Dhabi are critical factors to consider.